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Raising baby wild animals

Baby wild animals are usually cute in some way, they seem helpless and as humans, we automatically think we have to pick them up and help them. Maybe its a turtle at the lake, or a baby bird in your back yard. We all hear stories about some person saving' a baby wild animal, by feeding it odd foods such as milk and bread.
But please do not be fooled by these stories. Baby wild animals should not be raised in captivity except by a professionally trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Yes, that's right I said licensed'.

Most people don't even know that keeping wildlife is illegal, and can result in huge fines and even jail time. Even if you are just trying to help, the wildlife in North America cannot be owned. It is by law, protected under a number of acts including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that has been regulation since 1918.
I have heard of fines starting at twenty five thousand dollars for just a single bird.
You should also be aware that keeping items such as feathers and nests and eggs are also covered by these laws, and it is also illegal to keep such products. Citizens will be charged as though they killed the entire animal, so that pretty blue jay feather may just end up costing you 25 big ones.

There are some people who are specially trained and go through government documentation and inspections to become licensed. These rehabbers are knowledgeable in the species that they treat, and are usually a great source of information. You can look up local rehabbers through national organizations such as the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, NWRA. www.nwrawildlife.org And can find local resources through local veterinarians or animal control officers.

Please understand that raising baby wildlife is a serious job, and it takes years of practice and learning to do it correctly. Too often baby animals are released and are unable to care for themselves properly, or they become caged pets. Many times they succumb to disease and other metabolic disorders because they do not receive the care they require. You should do the right thing, and leave wildlife where it belongs; in the wild. And if you come across a real wildlife medical problem please take the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Learn more about this author, Candy Akers.
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